3 HEALTHY COPYCAT FAST FOOD RECIPES AT HOME | WW Points | High Protein Low Calorie Take Out at HOME
Recipes in this Video
Chow Mein, originating from Chinese cuisine, translates to 'stir-fried noodles' and is a staple dish across China. Traditionally, it features a mix of vegetables and proteins, showcasing the versatility of local ingredients. In Western adaptations, it often includes a variety of sauces and toppings, making it a popular choice in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
Ingredients
- ●egg noodles
- ●vegetable oil
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
- ●carrots
- ●bell peppers
- ●cabbage
- ●green onions
- ●soy sauce
- ●oyster sauce
- ●sesame oil
- ●bean sprouts
- ●tofu
- ●chicken
- ●beef
- ●shrimp
- ●black pepper
Instructions
- 1Boil water in a large pot and cook egg noodles until al dente, about 4-5 minutes.
- 2Drain noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
- 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 5Add sliced carrots and bell peppers; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- 6Add shredded cabbage and green onions; cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- 7Push vegetables to one side of the skillet; add more oil if needed.
- 8Add cooked noodles to the skillet; toss to combine with the vegetables.
- 9Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over the noodles; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 10Add bean sprouts and protein of choice; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- 11Drizzle with sesame oil and toss well to combine before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
egg noodles
Healthier: whole wheat noodles
Cheaper: rice noodles
Whole wheat noodles add fiber, while rice noodles are often less expensive.
oyster sauce
Healthier: hoisin sauce
Cheaper: soy sauce
Hoisin sauce provides a similar sweetness without shellfish.
shrimp
Healthier: chicken breast
Cheaper: tofu
Chicken is leaner and tofu is a budget-friendly protein alternative.
vegetable oil
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Olive oil offers healthier fats, while canola is often more affordable.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Orange chicken is a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine, often found in Chinese restaurants across the United States. It combines sweet and tangy flavors, appealing to a wide audience. The dish is typically served with rice and is a staple in takeout menus, reflecting the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with American tastes.
Ingredients
- ●chicken
- ●orange juice
- ●soy sauce
- ●cornstarch
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
- ●sugar
- ●vinegar
- ●green onions
- ●sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 2Marinate chicken in soy sauce, orange juice, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
- 3Coat marinated chicken with cornstarch.
- 4Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- 5Fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through.
- 6Remove chicken and drain excess oil.
- 7In the same pan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- 8Add fried chicken back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- 9Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
chicken
Healthier: tofu
Cheaper: chicken thighs
Tofu is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians; chicken thighs are more affordable than breasts.
sugar
Healthier: honey
Cheaper: brown sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener; brown sugar is often cheaper and adds a different flavor.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular dish in Vietnamese-American cuisine, often served in Chinese restaurants. It reflects the fusion of flavors and techniques, showcasing the use of sweet and savory elements. This dish is beloved for its crunchy texture and creamy sauce, making it a favorite at celebrations and gatherings. Variations exist, with some recipes incorporating different nuts or sauces, adapting to local tastes.
Ingredients
- ●shrimp
- ●walnuts
- ●honey
- ●mayonnaise
- ●sweetened condensed milk
- ●egg
- ●cornstarch
- ●flour
- ●vegetable oil
- ●water
- ●green onions
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●lemon juice
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
Instructions
- 1Prepare the walnuts by boiling them in water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
- 2Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3In a bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- 4In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- 5Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- 6Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- 7Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 8Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels.
- 9In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey mixture until well coated.
- 10Add the toasted walnuts and toss gently to combine.
- 11Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
walnuts
Healthier: almonds
Cheaper: pecans
Almonds provide a similar crunch with fewer calories.
sweetened condensed milk
Healthier: coconut cream
Cheaper: evaporated milk
Coconut cream offers richness with less sugar.
shrimp
Healthier: chicken breast
Cheaper: tofu
Tofu is a plant-based protein, cost-effective and versatile.
mayonnaise
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: sour cream
Greek yogurt is lower in fat and adds creaminess.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As